So...How Does a Byte Cellar Podcast Sound?

May 13, 2008

Inspired by some of the retro computing podcasts I follow (Retrobits, 1MHz, etc.), I've developed a slowly growing itch to plop a mic down on my desk and prattle on to anyone who might want to hear what I've got to say about computing as I've lived it during the 80s and thereabouts.

What do you think? Would another retro computing blog make the world a happier place? Would anyone lend me their ears?

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks!

Posted by blakespot at May 13, 2008 6:31 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Bring it! Podcasting's a lot of fun.

Posted by: Steve Whitaker at May 13, 2008 8:19 PM

Do you podcast, Steve? If so, point!

Posted by: Blake Patterson at May 13, 2008 8:59 PM

Come on Blake, podcasting is a lot of fun. I have started my own podcast (a weekly show) a couple of months ago and I cannot stop.

If you can understand spanish here it is:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/elpodcastdepablot

Posted by: Pablo at May 13, 2008 9:27 PM

I think you should go for it. I would listen. Your site is great!

Posted by: Jeremiah Dabney at May 13, 2008 9:54 PM

Hey there Blake,

That sounds great! Byte Cellar is awesome, would love to hear you on the air.

Posted by: Earl at May 13, 2008 11:28 PM

Sounds good.

A few things about good podcasts

1. Plan each episode out beforehand, obvious but true.
2. Bring a buddy: they're often more interesting than a special guest as you rarely have to ask all the obvious questions.
3. Don't make every episode a marathon: several short eps are usually a lot better than some monster swallowing them all.
4. If talking to someone via Skype, get them to record their half of the conversation and send it back to you, so you can stitch both local tracks together. thetalkshow.net is done this way and it shows.
5. Don't record when under the influence of powerful post-operative drugs shortly after a serious injury. Even Stephen Fry mumbled round in circles a bit when he tried that!

Note: I've never made a podcast myself, but I do love listening to a fair few of them.

Posted by: John Muir at May 14, 2008 9:20 AM

I really appreciate the support form everyone. And thanks in particular to Earl, my main inspiration.

We'll see how it goes for a while anyway, eh? We'll see if I'm interesting at a mic. :-)

Posted by: Blake Patterson at May 14, 2008 4:46 PM

Great idea, Blake. I'd definitely add you to my growing list of retro podcasts. BTW, I'm a big fan of Earl's as well.


Posted by: Dean at May 14, 2008 6:50 PM

With Earl Evans (retrobits) being so busy with his new job (self employment), he's been slowing down on his podcast. I'm suffering from withdrawal. Follow John's advice and go for it. The first few episodes will be a learning process but your audience won't care. Trust me. In fact, I'm sure Earl wouldn't mind offering a few pointers.

By the way, it was his podcast that brought me to your blog.

Posted by: Chris Chapman at May 14, 2008 7:00 PM

Do it! There's too much time between releases of Retrogaming Radio and Twitch Asylum...

Posted by: Todd Holcomb at May 14, 2008 11:07 PM

Another few recommendations:

1. Test. Make 2-3 podcasts before you publish to check your "sound" and polish the form. Note how Earl's were consistent and polished right out of the gate.

2. Please try to commit to a regular schedule - you can always increase frequency but reducing it hurts your listenership.

3. Don't forget your site. Post a little bit more often here to keep people interested. I'd hate to forget you because everything you put up is interesting. But going a month between posts really hurts your "mindshare"

You're gutsier than most of us. It's a harsh world you're looking to get into.

Wholly

Posted by: Wholly at May 15, 2008 11:03 PM

Hey Blake - I think it would be a great idea. Go for it!

Posted by: Daniel at May 16, 2008 7:51 AM

I'd listen! :-)

Do it!

Posted by: Alex at May 17, 2008 7:14 PM

Hi
Im particularly interested in BBS vs Web
Decentralised Vs Corporate hierarchy etc etc...If you read some txt files on textfiles.com - there seems to be very few veteran BBS users who liked the www.

Ive just been listening to some podcasts from textfiles.com - the more structured ones with 2 - 4 people I prefer.

For some reason a few think its a good idea to get drunk and record rambling about computing/phreaking topics. I dont like that unless its real funny.


I just found this site,searching for a a retro 8bit forum...

Mike
New Zealand

Posted by: Mike at May 17, 2008 8:08 PM

Podcasting is lots of fun but time consuming too. You learn a lot about recording, computers, and yourself too. Give it a whirl!

Posted by: James at May 18, 2008 9:24 AM

I think it would be great. The medium of spoken word is a good one with which to reminisce about the 'good old days' of computing. Sit back in a nice chair in the late evening, have a cup of tea and travel back a decade or two for a while.

Posted by: Pikemann Urge at May 22, 2008 7:21 AM

I've been checking out more retro computing podcasts of late in prep for my Byte Cellar podcast. And I've got to say: Shane R. Monroe of Retrogaming Radio, you're pretty much a large ass.

Some of you out there might boo me on this, but I really want the 13 minutes I spent listening to that show this morning back. They're lost forever.

And--where does the Apple hate come from? And Shane, you don't want the iPod to become synonymous with MP3 players? I'm afraid we're past that point. It is indeed the Frisbee of flying discs.

Sorry to rant. That guy just really struck me the wrong way.

Posted by: Blake Patterson at May 23, 2008 10:13 AM

As a long time listener of Earl's podcast, all I can say is HELL YES!

Can't wait to hear your inaugural podcast.

Posted by: Chris at June 3, 2008 10:43 AM

the more the better, podcasts make my commuting fun! (well not fun, but bearable)
Also, please, please post more often!!!
You're the only person i've seen that has an organised retrocomputing collection! that's a true achievement!

Posted by: at June 14, 2008 9:31 PM
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